The National Hispanic University Adds New Online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Program

San José, Calif.—July 16, 2013—With a rising nationwide emphasis on early childhood programs and formal preschool programs, employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to increase by 25% between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To support the growing demand for an educated early childhood professional workforce, The National Hispanic University (NHU) is launching a new online Master of Arts in Early Childhood non-licensure program.

NHU's new online M.A. in Early Childhood program is designed to prepare leaders and advocates who can effect authentic positive change in the lives of young children (birth through age 8), whether in early childhood settings, administration or public policy roles. Graduates of this program also will be prepared to address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse children and families. With one in five Americans speaking a language other than English at home, the program will focus on children who are multicultural and dual language learners, with a special emphasis on Hispanic children and their families.

"How a child develops during the first years of life can set the stage for the remainder of his or her life. It's important for early childhood professionals to understand this pivotal time," said Dr. Gladys Ato, provost of NHU. "At NHU, we are providing the necessary in-depth knowledge and skills to help early childhood professionals shape a child's experience. There is a critical need for committed leaders who can use this knowledge to improve outcomes for young children."

The program will highlight the latest research on how children develop and the best practices that prepare children for future success in school and in life. In addition, NHU's new master's degree program features:

A rich multimedia experience that features national experts, practitioners and scenes from a variety of early childhood settings, allowing students to compare approaches to issues and challenges in the field.

An online environment that promotes knowledge-sharing and collegiality through student-created blogs and social media.

As part of NHU's commitment to early childhood professionals, the university will offer live webinars with leaders in the field such as Dr. Eugene Garcia, a respected and recognized expert in early childhood and bilingual education who recently joined NHU as its Distinguished Professor of Research. With his expertise and insights, Dr. Garcia will help develop and expand access to relevant early childhood programs that address the skills and knowledge needed to prepare today's professionals for emerging opportunities in the field. He also will represent NHU as an advocate for early childhood education, a role where he will engage in and promote NHU research to influence public policy and practice in the field.

About The National Hispanic University
For more than 30 years, The National Hispanic University has provided Hispanic students and others with access to quality higher education. Located in San José, Calif., the university offers a diverse portfolio of online and campus-based undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in business, education, child development, computer science, criminal justice and psychology. Students are supported in a multicultural and collaborative learning environment that is based on Familia™, a personalized approach that fosters students' success through mutual respect and cultura. The National Hispanic University, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). For more information, visit www.NHU.edu.